RIBA statement on the new Secretary of State for the Department for Exiting the European Union

Commenting on the new Secretary of State for the Department for Exiting the European Union

RIBA President Ben Derbyshire says:

“Given that we are only nine months away from the UK’s formal exit from the European Union, this is an exceptionally important time for our collective future. There must be no further delays on getting the clarity and certainty we need from Government on the future deal with the European Union. This is therefore a crucial role to fill and we look forward to bringing Dominic Raab MP as the new Secretary of State for the Department for Exiting the European Union up to date with the RIBA’s well researched position.

The RIBA have been clear that this deal must ensure continued trade in services, Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, and allows us to recruit talented architects from the EU. This is essential if the architecture sector is to continue to thrive in an uncertain climate.”

Commenting on the vacancy this creates in the role of Housing Minister

“Whoever takes up the mantle of Housing Minister from Dominic Raab MP will be the eighth Housing Minister since 2010. If the Government are as serious as they say they are about building the homes and communities the country desperately needs, we need to see real, continued leadership at the top of Government. The crisis in affordability and quality of housing will not be addressed without it. We look forward to working with the new Housing Minister at this critical time for the sector.”